I've been replaying that classic series lately, and a couple of shots in SMBHAX Episode 3 reminded me of the old takeoff sequences.

Here's an example, from the original game.

Here's my tribute.

Haha nice!

When I played that game, I think I must've restarted at some point, and I called my character "Death," because all my wing mates seemed to keep dying on me. =p Must've been great for some poor rookie: "Hey, private, you're gonna be Captain Death's new wing man. The last five died horribly yesterday. Have fun!"